Tuesday, August 13, 2019: 1:30 PM-5:00 PM
M103, Kentucky International Convention Center
Organizer:
Luanna Prevost
Co-organizers:
X. Ben Wu
and
George Middendorf
Moderator:
Luanna Prevost
As ESA seeks to welcome ecologists from a broad range of backgrounds, we need to consider how we introduce students to ecology and train future ecologists. An ESA task force has developed and presented a new model for ecological education, the 4DEE framework (http://www.esa.org/4DEE). The 4DEE framework focuses on the integration of four dimensions — concepts, cross-cutting themes, the human dimension, and skills/practices— for improved student learning in and engagement with ecology. Substantial research has shown that inclusive pedagogical approaches can enhance the learning of all students and are especially beneficial to students from underserved populations. Inclusive pedagogy helps students develop a sense of belonging and interest in science, improve academic performance, and enhance the learning of all by bringing diverse perspectives and ideas. In light of ESA’s goal to “extend the tent”, what are the intersections and complimentary support nodes of inclusive pedagogy and the 4DEE framework? How can we leverage them to facilitate learning and development of all students in ecology education?
In this session, we present a combination of research and educational activities that explores the intersections of inclusive pedagogy and the 4DEE framework and examine how they benefit the learning of all students in ecology education. This session will also examine the implementation of these practices in a variety of educational context including introductory biology courses, upper-level courses, informal education settings and citizen science projects. Speakers will introduce research on inclusive pedagogy that lays the groundwork for incorporating more integrative teaching practices, like 4DEE. This research examines the impact of practices on student learning, emotions and identities. Another group of speakers within this session will demonstrate the implementation of 4DEE such as practices (e.g. quantitative reasoning and computational thinking) and the human dimension (e.g. environmental justice issues) that foster inclusion. Speakers will present student learning and engagement outcomes that demonstrate the potential of inclusive pedagogical approaches related to 4DEE can facilitate understanding of ecological issues for all students. A final group of speakers will present on how these practices can facilitate career development that encourages students from diverse groups to participate in the field of ecology and encourages communication between ecologists and diverse communities.